Man Utd 2008 v Arsenal 2026 – who would win?

Perhaps Theo Walcott recognized the implications of his statement the moment he spoke.

Walcott was conversing with Wayne Rooney when he seemingly challenged the notion of whether the Manchester United squad from 2008 could «match» the current Arsenal team.

When asked about the comparison, Rooney responded without any delay.

«Absolutely, we’d demolish them,» responded United’s all-time leading scorer.

Naturally, one would anticipate that from someone who was part of the United team.

To be fair to Walcott, he did also mention that the 2008 United team was «probably the best team I have ever faced».

Rooney and Walcott were offering their insights during Arsenal’s 3-1 triumph over Inter Milan in the Champions League.

This victory prolonged the Gunners’ perfect record in the league phase. They stand seven points ahead at the top of the Premier League and maintain a 3-2 lead over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

With a home match against League One team Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round, the chance for an unprecedented quadruple is very much alive.

But was Walcott, the former Arsenal winger, justified in making such a comparison?

United took seven years to identify a worthy successor to Peter Schmeichel.

In Edwin van der Sar, they discovered a seasoned and reliable goalkeeper who could finally deliver the same authoritative presence.

By the time the 2008 Champions League final arrived, Van der Sar was 37.

You might assume that the Netherlands international was nearing the conclusion of his career, but he would actually play at Old Trafford for three more years.

David Raya, 30, is possibly a goalkeeper better suited to contemporary demands – agile, adept with the ball at his feet, and possessing key distribution skills.

If the comparison is made solely on trophies, Van der Sar clearly has the upper hand. Before 2008, he had claimed the Champions League twice, six league titles, and four domestic cups between Ajax and United.

On the other hand, Raya has yet to secure any domestic titles, although he has won international honors with Spain at Euro 2024 and the Nations League, albeit as a backup to Unai Simon.

Thus, in terms of achievements, Van der Sar indisputably comes out on top.

However, if you seek a contemporary goalkeeper, perhaps it could be Raya.

Let’s clarify one point: Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic form the ultimate central defensive duo. Case closed.

That’s not to undermine William Saliba and Gabriel. The United duo at the defense’s core simply cannot be rivaled.

However, this matter extends beyond just central defenders.

Arsenal has not only assembled strong starting players but also a solid unit capable of navigating injury challenges.

With Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber as the full-backs, there are Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, and Piero Hincapie.

For United, Patrice Evra was outstanding on the left, but would Wes Brown secure a spot in many elite teams today?

John O’Shea and Mikael Silvestre were part of the backup (Gary Neville was sidelined all season due to injury).

With Vidic and Ferdinand, the primary defense clearly belongs to United. Yet, does Arsenal’s depth give them the edge?

Just take a look at United’s assault.

You’ve got Cristiano Ronaldo, who secured the Ballon d’Or in 2008 and went on to become one of the all-time greats.

Then there’s Rooney, the all-time leading scorer for both United and England.

Additionally, while Carlos Tevez’s tenure at Old Trafford was not particularly prolific, he netted 14 Premier League goals in 2007-08.

It was a forward line that instilled fear. Up to this point in the season, Ronaldo had netted 22 goals, Tevez had 12, and Rooney had nine.

Who does Arsenal feature? Viktor Gyokeres, a forward who may achieve greatness, but thus far has not justified his £55m transfer fee.

Bukayo Saka is undeniably a world-class player on the wing. However, it’s challenging to make a strong case for Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, or Noni Madueke.

Gyokeres and Martinelli have combined for nine goals this season, with Saka and Trossard tallying seven.

In the midfield, Declan Rice is rightfully recognized as one of the best in the world today, playing alongside Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi.

Yet Owen Hargreaves, Michael Carrick, and Paul Scholes were exceptional during Alex Ferguson’s era.

Did we mention Ryan Giggs came off the bench in the Champions League final as well? It’s undoubtedly United of ’08.

If we focus on goals alone, both teams hold nearly identical records in the top two competitions at the same point in the season.

United amassed 57 goals across 28 matches (2.04 per game).

Meanwhile, Arsenal registered 60 goals in 29 matches (2.07).

However, United showcased a significantly greater number of opportunities created, with 505 shots taken at an average of 18.04 per game.

In comparison, Arsenal attempted 438 shots, averaging 15.10 per match.

One could argue that Arsenal demonstrated more efficiency.

However, in terms of creativity, United emerges victorious once more.

This has been a recurring theme throughout much of the season – Arsenal heavily depend on set-pieces to secure victories.

Yet, when reviewing the statistics (excluding penalties), the figures for the Premier League and Champions League are quite comparable.

United scored 15 out of their 57 goals from set pieces (26%).

So far this season, Arsenal have achieved 19 set-piece goals from their 60 total (32%).

It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Gunners emerge as the top team, but the margin is slim.

However, Arsenal does lead in own goals, having benefited from five compared to United’s single own goal.

Forget individual accolades. Dismiss scoring opportunities. Now we address what truly counts.

There is only one genuine measure for comparing teams: silverware.

The United squad of 2008 was at the pinnacle of the sport and were the defending Premier League champions.

During the 2007-08 season, they won the Champions League and defended their Premier League title. They would go on to claim a third title in 2008-09 as well.

This current Arsenal squad has yet to secure any silverware. The last trophy won by the club was the FA Cup in the 2019-20 season.

Until they do, comparisons hold little weight.

Perhaps Walcott unconsciously senses that Arsenal are not receiving the recognition they deserve for their performances this season.

That acknowledgment will come in the form of trophies.

On this particular measure alone, United would, as Rooney claimed, «demolish them».